The Book Cellar

4736-38 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL

★★★★★4.7(710 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

“Nestled in Chicago, this beloved bookstore-café hybrid captivates visitors with its intoxicating blend of freshly printed books and warm beverages—a sensory experience that keeps people lingering for hours. The staff are genuinely passionate about recommendations, and the carefully curated book selection (including multilingual titles) draws readers seeking discoveries you won't find anywhere else. While the coffee itself draws mixed reviews, the real magic here is the cozy, unhurried atmosphere perfect for settling in with a story and a beverage, making it an ideal refuge for readers, remote workers, and families alike.”

What to expect

MeetingsTraditional drinksSlow sitWifiFamily friendlyLaptop friendlyLight food

Google Reviews

Cindy Alce
★★★★★2 months ago

Great place.. find a new story, or continue with an existing one. Great staff with recommendations. Also cozy nook to sit and read with beverages. Definitely recommend!!!

Marie M
★★★★★3 months ago

Despite having a large amount of books, the books on offer still seem carefully curated. I saw a number of books there that I haven't seen in any other independent bookstore. The cashier ringing me up was also very sweet and helped me find a bag for a bakery box I was carrying around.

Rachel B.
★★★★★5 months ago

Coffee - just no. It takes forever and it tasted burnt and awful. Left my mouth tasting sour literally. Vibe - music is chill enough very coffee house vibe, but don’t drink the coffee. Too many kids to enjoy the vibe though. Books - really more for kids and young adults. Nonfiction section was really lacking. I would have liked to see a LGBTQ section. It was either non existent or so small I blinked and missed it.

Postcard Narrative Family Travel
★★★★★a year ago

This was the first stop on a reading retreat weekend in North Chicago. They have the sweetest aroma of freshly printed books mixed with cafe drinks. There is a huge variety of books and are well stocked with new releases.

Viviana Bojorquez
★★★★★a year ago

This place has the MOST amazing selection of books for all ages and all genres. They even have books in different languages. Not to mention the cafe inside is so cute and the staff is very knowledgeable. The street they are on has lots of cute shops in addition. I attached some cool finds!

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